Made the drive last night, through the rain and dark, down unfamiliar roads to a place Id never been before. Arrived at Flyers Cafe, in Dunnville for the River Arts Songwriters Showcase and was rewarded with some magic. Years ago I read a review of a show that featured Guy Clark, Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett, and John Hiatt performing in a guitar pull, trading songs and thought that Id never see anything like that. A couple of years later I found myself at Massey Hall, in the front row watching that very lineup. It consisted of songs written and performed by master craftsmen. Songs that made you think, smile, shudder or tugged at your heartstrings. Last night, in that cafe/art gallery/creative space was as good if not better because of the intimacy and smaller space focused my attentions and magnified the emotions and reactions to the songs being performed. The song circle was hosted by Brennagh Burns who Ive seen perform at singer/songwriter open mics, as a member of The Dharlings and The Perfect Strangers. She did an able job introducing the songwriters and asking them questions about their process and inspirations. To her left was Brandon P. General who Id only seen on Kevin Barbers Barbershop podcast before. Brennagh asked him before he performed his first song, when hed written it, finished it? he asked back...last week! Next to him was Scotty Bakalar who I met on the beach at Port Dover when Duane Rutter was playing in support of Analeise Carrs Radical Crossing, then got to play with and marvel at on the second iteration of that show in September. Look up the episode of the aforementioned Barbershoppodcast to see him do a few songs and be interviewed. I met Michael J. Birthelmer when I first took Lori Yates Creative Genius Songwriting Workshops last fall (Im going back for a third next week). He runs the Pine Street Studios where the songwriters record their opuses and had accompanied several of the performers that have taken that course. I knew he was a nice guy, amazing sound engineer and wizardly instumentalist but I didnt know what a great songwriter he was before last night! I was gobsmacked! Duane Rutter complained about having to follow him but he shouldnt have. I have run out of superlatives for describing Duanes songs and his words about the songs, before performing them drew the whole room into his world. I am so lucky that Ive been able to see him perform as much as I have the last few years and his star is rising as he gets busier and busier. Do yourself a favour and go see him play someplace while its still in the intimate listening rooms and theatres. Rounding out the circle was Robin Benedict who is using Duane as an accompaniest, songwriter and all round musical partner. you can check her stuff out on the Barbersoppodcast as well or look for her cover of Heart of Glass which is approaching 4 million , yes 4 million views on youtube! I had to leave before the final round of songs to make the drive home, but was I ever glad I decided to go out last night. I was telling Sarah Farr, (who is performing in a spoken word show on Thursday at this festival) about the freedom that not drinking has given me to take off and see great shows like this without fear of driving home or making other bad decisions. Its nights like this that make my new life great!
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:11:58 +0000
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